ir Francis Walsingham was the most important secretaries of state during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. He was born in Kent and was educated in King's College in Cambridge before travelling abroad to widen his knowledge of languages and Europe. As a Protestant he remained in exile during the reign of Queen Mary, only returning to England when her half-sister Elizabeth became Queen. Under Elizabeth he was employed in several embassies particularly to the court of France, Scotland and the Low Countries. For his efforts he was rewarded with the offices of chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster and of the order of the garter. Walsingham is also known as Elizabeth's Spymaster as he obtained information about the Queen's enemies and uncovered many plots that aimed to end her reign. Chief amongst her enemies was Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots who for many years was a prisoner of Elizabeth. Through information obtained by Walsingham Mary was accused of plotting to kill Elizabeth and Mary was executed as a result.

 Walsingham, Francis (Sir) (b.1532? - d.1590)